"The great political game begins": Who is the man who wants to take power from Zelensky?

A former Ukrainian defense minister has reignited political tensions in Kyiv with a public address accusing the government of systemic governance failures and calling for new elections, sparking speculation about his potential emergence as a rival to President Volodymyr Zelensky. Mykhailo Fedorov, who was forced to resign from his position in early August, released a nine-minute video on August 19 criticizing corruption, the lack of parliamentary elections since 2019, and what he described as a leadership crisis rooted in personal loyalty over competence. His remarks came amid fresh political turmoil, including the appointment of Yevgeny Hmara as the new defense minister and a major anti-corruption raid targeting high-ranking officials in the presidential administration. Fedorov’s speech highlighted what he called “a systemic crisis of power,” suggesting that Ukraine’s problems extend beyond individual ministries and into the very structure of governance. He pointed to corruption as one symptom of this broader issue, while emphasizing the need for a legal mechanism to ensure free and fair elections even during the ongoing war with Russia. The Ukrainian constitution currently prohibits elections under martial law, which has been in effect since February 2022. Fedorov did not name specific individuals in his critique but showed footage of David Arakhamia, leader of Zelensky’s parliamentary faction, Sluga Naroda, hinting at private interests influencing legislative decisions. The timing of Fedorov’s comments coincided with a significant anti-corruption operation conducted by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO). On August 19, these agencies raided several high-level officials, including Irina Mudra, deputy head of the Presidential Administration, and Vadym Stoliar, another senior aide. NABU stated the raids were part of an investigation into a criminal organization allegedly led by both a current and a former member of parliament, with involvement from high-ranking staff within the presidential office. President Zelensky immediately dismissed Mudra from her role, though neither he nor Mudra nor the head of the Presidential Administration, Kirill Budanov, offered further details about the case. Fedorov’s public criticism and the subsequent anti-corruption drive have significantly boosted his popularity. According to a survey by the Rating Institute conducted August 20–21, Fedorov’s approval rating surged from 35% to 65% in the week following his resignation. Over 72% of respondents opposed his removal from office. A later poll conducted August 5–6 placed Fedorov third among potential presidential candidates, with 12.5% support, behind Zelensky at 25.2% and ex-military chief Valeriy Zaluzhny at 16.7%. This rise in public favorability suggests growing discontent with the current administration and a possible shift in political dynamics. Analysts suggest Fedorov is leveraging his recent notoriety to build political capital. Ihor Chalenko of Kyiv’s Center for Analysis and Strategies noted that Fedorov appears to be consolidating influence after his resignation and the widespread protests demanding his return. While his video does not yet outline a formal election platform, Chalenko views Fedorov as emerging as an independent political figure capable of challenging Zelensky in future contests. Protests supporting Fedorov began shortly after his departure, with demonstrations held in Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and other cities. Fedorov’s call for electoral reform and his critique of the current system reflect broader frustrations among Ukrainians regarding governance and transparency. His statements align with ongoing debates about the legitimacy of the existing political order, particularly as the war continues to strain resources and test the resilience of institutions. Whether Fedorov can translate this momentum into a viable political movement remains uncertain, but his actions have undoubtedly intensified the competition for influence within Ukraine’s fractured political landscape.